Kids' Christmas party ideas for an Aussie summer
A Christmas party in the middle of an Aussie summer needs its own plan: shade, water and food that copes with the heat. Here's an easy end-of-year party for a backyard, a park or a hall, for family, friends or a playgroup.
Beat the heat first
- Go for a morning (9 to 11am) or late afternoon (4 to 6pm). Avoid the middle of the day.
- Set up shade and a water station before anything else, and keep sunscreen by the gate.
- Put "hats, swimmers and a towel" on the invitation if you're using the sprinkler.
Christmas games for a hot day
- Santa says. Simon says with a Santa hat. Easy for every age, and nobody needs to sit out for long.
- Candy cane hunt. Hide wrapped candy canes or paper stars around the yard. Give little ones their own easy zone.
- Snowball fight, summer style. Soft pom-poms, scrunched paper or wet sponges, thrown from behind two "snow forts" of boxes.
- Reindeer relay. Teams race wearing paper antlers, passing a bell instead of a baton.
- Christmas pass the parcel. A small treat in every layer, so everyone wins something.
For a quieter spot in the shade: a biscuit decorating table, or a bingo game and word search from our free starter sample.
Christmas food that won't melt
- Watermelon Christmas trees: triangles of watermelon with a pretzel stick for the trunk.
- Strawberry Santas: a strawberry with a dab of cream on top, served straight from the fridge.
- Ham and salad wraps kept in the esky until serving.
- Mini pavlovas or a fruit platter instead of a big cream cake.
- Icy poles at the end. Keep food out for no more than about two hours.
A simple two-hour run-sheet
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 0:00 | Arrivals, hats on, biscuit decorating table |
| 0:15 | Candy cane hunt and reindeer relay |
| 0:50 | Food in the shade |
| 1:20 | Summer snowball fight or the sprinkler |
| 1:40 | Secret Santa or pass the parcel |
| 1:55 | Goodbyes and Merry Christmas |
A simple kids' Secret Santa
Set a small limit, like $5 to $10, and suggest a few ideas (bubbles, a book, a craft kit) so nobody overspends. For little ones, a lucky-dip bag where everyone picks one wrapped gift is easier than drawing names.
Quick answers
What can kids do at a Christmas party when it's hot?
Keep active games short and in the shade: a candy cane hunt, a reindeer relay, a summer snowball fight with pom-poms or wet sponges, and the sprinkler. Add a biscuit decorating table for a quiet break.
What Christmas food won't melt at an outdoor party?
Watermelon Christmas trees, strawberries, wraps kept in an esky, a fruit platter and icy poles. Serve anything with cream straight from the fridge and keep food out for no more than about two hours.
How far ahead should I order a Christmas Party Plan or Party Box?
Party Plans are emailed within 3 business days of getting your party details. A Party Box needs at least 14 days' notice, and it's worth allowing extra time in December when couriers are busy.
Get a free party checklist and run-sheet
Join the newsletter and we'll email you our free 5-page party starter sample: a party checklist, a run-sheet you can copy, a bingo and a word search.
Want your Christmas party planned for you?
Tell us the ages, the guest count and your budget, and we'll send a Christmas Party Plan: games with what you need for each, a food list with quantities, a shopping list and a run-sheet for the day. $39, emailed within 3 business days. Want us to shop too? Add a Party Box, at least 14 days ahead.